The Mayor's Ambient Noise Strategy - Greater London Authority

156 Mayor of London
The Mayor’s Ambient Noise Strategy
recognised in the Mayor’s Biodiversity Strategy, is reflected in the
counterpoint to urban noise offered by natural sounds. Sensitive
soundscape management can help people experience being on the edge
of the wild in the heart of the urban. Diversity and distinctiveness can
also include local human-made ‘soundmarks’, such as weirs or other
active water. Canal towpaths and routes along London’s rivers are used
extensively as walking and cycling routes. They are key leisure, sport and
recreation resources for Londoners and visitors, and can be further
explored in terms of their changing sound environments (see glossary
under ‘soundscape’). The Thames Path from the source to the Thames
Barrier provides many places for tranquil enjoyment, including where
people can gain access to the foreshore. Watersides are typically places
where people have a reasonable expectation of relative quiet. Craft on
residential moorings may provide their occupants with less physical
protection from road, rail, helicopter or other aircraft noise than do
conventional dwellings.
4D.14 It is important that future planning, design and operation on and around
London’s water spaces protect tranquillity as far as possible. Many London
water spaces may not be especially quiet in absolute terms, compared
with those outside the city. However, their relative tranquillity may be no
less valued by people. British Waterways often requests that a noise
assessment is conducted to establish existing noise levels along the
towing path, and to predict the noise effect of proposed development on
the waterway environment. 6 Noise mapping can provide a useful
framework. However, it is also important, particularly in the water space
context, to consider features of positive soundscape interest or identity. 7
Qualitative analysis can provide opportunities for popular engagement.
‘Areas of Relative Tranquillity or Special Soundscape Interest’ are not, at
this stage, included in the London Plan, but exploration of the potential
role of such a designation is encouraged (see also paragraph 4F.29 and
Policy 78 below).
4D.15 Given the London Plan’s encouragement to more sport and leisure use of
London’s Blue Ribbon Network, as well as freight and passenger
transport, tensions between demands for active and tranquil uses need to
be addressed in design and management. The level of noise and its local
impact need to be assessed to determine whether a noise management
plan is appropriate. Soundscape management, by space and time, could
be among the issues considered in Thames Policy Area appraisals (as
proposed in the London Plan, Policy 4C.26), and in management plans of
river and canal authorities.